(The Epoch Times)—House Republicans on April 23 unveiled legislation to extend for three years a surveillance authority that permits the collection of communications from non-U.S. persons located abroad without a warrant.
The House Rules Committee released the nine-page bill, which would renew Section 702 of the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act (FISA) through April 30, 2029. Section 702 authorizes warrantless surveillance targeting foreign individuals overseas, though critics note that Americans’ communications can be incidentally collected under the program. The proposed legislation does not include a requirement for warrants, despite ongoing calls for such reforms.
The House Rules Committee will look to advance the bill on April 27.
Congress passed a short-term extension of Section 702 on April 17 that expires on April 30.
Under the bill, the comptroller general would be required to submit a report within one year of enactment to key congressional committees, including the House and Senate Judiciary Committees and the intelligence committees in both chambers. The report would present the results of an audit assessing whether current targeting procedures appropriately limit surveillance under Section 702.
The legislation also explicitly prohibits the intentional targeting of U.S. citizens.
Lawmakers from both parties have pushed for additional safeguards, including requiring warrants when querying the communications of Americans that are incidentally collected. However, President Donald Trump has advocated for a “clean” extension of Section 702 without new restrictions.
Trump has argued that the authority is essential for national security, while also criticizing past uses of FISA. He has cited what he described as serious abuses of the law, referencing disclosures that the FBI used FISA authorities during its Crossfire Hurricane investigation into his 2016 presidential campaign.
The president said the military “desperately needs” Section 702 of FISA to support national security efforts, particularly in light of the conflict with Iran.
At the same time, Trump emphasized the importance of maintaining Section 702 in light of ongoing military operations and global threats. He stated that military leaders consider the authority vital for protecting U.S. interests, including troops and diplomats abroad, and for responding quickly to potential threats.
“I have spoken to many Generals about this, and they consider it VITAL. Not one said, even tacitly, that they can do without it—especially right now with our brilliant Military Operation in Iran.”
In April 2024, Congress approved a two-year extension of Section 702, which included 56 reforms aimed at preventing misuse of Americans’ data. That legislation, signed into law by President Joe Biden, introduced stricter rules for accessing the database, enhanced training requirements, higher-level approval for queries involving politically sensitive individuals, and penalties for intentional misuse.
A review by the Department of Justice’s Office of the Inspector General found more than 60,000 noncompliant FBI queries of Section 702 data in 2021.
Joseph Lord and Savannah Hulsey Pointer contributed to this report.
Starting the Day With a Scripture-Inspired Roast Helps Center Your Thoughts on Eternal Truths Amid Temporal Pressures
The world can seem chaotic, especially right after we wake up. Many believers start their mornings reaching for something familiar — a hot cup of coffee — yet end up settling for mediocre brews that do little more than deliver a caffeine jolt. The daily grind of life, with its endless distractions, news cycles, and responsibilities, can leave even the most faithful feeling spiritually parched alongside their physical fatigue. What if your morning ritual could do more than wake you up? What if it could ground you in truth, nourish your body with exceptional quality, and quietly advance a kingdom purpose at the same time?
That’s the promise — and the reality — behind Promised Grounds Coffee. This Christian-founded company doesn’t just roast beans; it approaches every step as an act of worship and discipleship. By selecting only the top 10% of specialty-grade beans, ethically sourced from dedicated farmers in Central and South America, and small-batch roasting them with reverence in Austin, Texas, Promised Grounds delivers what many describe as the best coffee available — never burnt, never bland, but rich with origin stories and layered flavors that honor God’s creation.
From the vibrant Psalm 27 Roast (a light, bright medium option) to the bold yet peaceful 2 Timothy 1:7 Decaf, each bag carries a Scripture verse that turns your daily pour into a gentle reminder of faith. And through their Ounce Per Ounce Promise, every ounce of coffee you enjoy provides an equal ounce of clean water to families in need via partnership with Filter of Hope — literally brewing hope for body and soul, one cup at a time.
The challenge for today’s Christians runs deeper than finding a decent cup. In an age of convenience-driven consumerism, it’s easy to support companies that dilute values or remain silent on matters of faith. Many believers want their everyday choices — from what they drink to how they spend — to reflect discipleship rather than just convenience. Promised Grounds solves this by weaving Christian excellence into the entire process: beans nurtured with prayerful stewardship by farming families, roasted as an offering rather than a commodity, and packaged with Bible verses to encourage a mindset of gratitude and purpose from the first sip. Reviewers consistently praise the smooth, rich profiles — whether enjoyed black in a drip maker, iced on a warm day, or shared in fellowship — noting how the quality stands toe-to-toe with premium secular brands while delivering something far more meaningful.
This integration of faith and flavor addresses a real need in Christian households and ministries. Busy parents, church leaders, and remote workers alike report that starting the day with a Scripture-inspired roast helps center their thoughts on eternal truths amid temporal pressures. The coffee’s exceptional character — bright citrus notes in lighter roasts or deep chocolate undertones in bolder ones — comes from meticulous selection and careful roasting that respects the bean’s natural gifts rather than masking them. It’s the kind of coffee that elevates a simple quiet time, fuels productive workdays, or sparks meaningful conversations when shared at Bible studies or outreach events. And because it’s ethically sourced with integrity, every purchase supports sustainable livelihoods for farmers who treat their crops like family harvests.
For those leading churches or small groups, the impact multiplies. Promised Grounds offers bundles and options perfect for hospitality ministries, turning ordinary coffee service into an opportunity to point people toward the living water of Christ. Imagine greeting visitors with a warm cup whose very bag carries God’s Word — a subtle yet powerful witness that aligns with the Great Commission. The company’s Texas roots and commitment to “brewing hope” resonate especially with believers who value American enterprise paired with global compassion.
Of course, quality alone isn’t enough if the experience feels out of reach. Promised Grounds keeps it accessible with practical perks like free shipping on orders over $40, sample sets for discovering favorites, and thoughtful add-ons such as faith-themed mugs. Whether you prefer whole beans for fresh grinding, grounds for convenience, or even bulk options for larger households and ministries, the result is consistently superior coffee that makes discipleship feel integrated rather than added on.
As you consider how to align even the smallest habits with your walk with God, Promised Grounds Coffee stands out as a refreshing solution. It tackles the dual problems of subpar daily sustenance and disconnected consumption by offering a product that genuinely excels in taste while advancing a mission of clean water, farmer dignity, and scriptural encouragement. Believers who make the switch often describe it as more than a beverage upgrade — it becomes part of their rhythm of gratitude, a daily invitation to remember that every good gift comes from above.
If you’re ready to transform your mornings (and perhaps your church gatherings) with coffee that honors both exceptional craftsmanship and Christian values, I encourage you to explore what Promised Grounds has to offer. One sip at a time, you’ll be nourishing your body, refreshing your spirit, and participating in something far greater — all while enjoying what truly is among the best coffee available.
